The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) is pleased to announce a new round of service updates, bus stop upgrades, and system-wide improvements set to begin taking effect on August 24, 2025. These updates are part of DASH’s continued efforts to provide faster, more reliable, and more accessible public transportation for riders throughout the city and region.
Supported by strategic investments from the City of Alexandria and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) Commuter Choice program, this latest phase of improvements reflects both community priorities and long-term planning goals. Riders can expect expanded service on key routes, improved scheduling on holidays, upgraded bus stop amenities throughout the city, and early insights into the vision for the future West Alexandria Transit Center.
“These enhancements mark a meaningful step forward in our mission to create a bus network that best serves our community today while anticipating and preparing for the needs of tomorrow,” said DASH CEO & General Manager Josh Baker. “This progress wouldn’t be possible without the strong support of the City of Alexandria and our regional partners, and we remain committed to delivering a public transit experience that reflects the values and priorities of our riders and the broader community.”
Service Updates & Improvements
As part of DASH’s annual Alexandria Transit Strategic Plan (ATSP) process, we conducted a comprehensive review of system performance, rider needs, and long-term mobility goals. Following public outreach and data analysis, DASH compiled a set of service improvement recommendations (FY 2026 ATSP Update) and submitted them to City Council for consideration during the City’s annual budget approval process.
Some of these recommendations were formally approved and funded by City Council earlier this year, enabling DASH to move forward with a targeted set of enhancements including:
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System-Wide Adjustments
- Schedule Optimization:
- Timetable changes across several routes to improve reliability and on-time performance.
- Simplified Service Schedules:
- All service will now follow a clear weekday (Mon–Fri) or weekend (Sat–Sun) schedule, making it easier to plan ahead.
- This also applies for holidays; when a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday schedule is observed the Fri. before or the Mon. after.
- All service will now follow a clear weekday (Mon–Fri) or weekend (Sat–Sun) schedule, making it easier to plan ahead.
- Schedule Optimization:
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Line-Specific Frequency Improvements
- Line 32:
- Increasing weekday frequency during midday and evenings to every 30 minutes from every 60 minutes between Van Dorn Metro and Landmark Transit Center.
- Line 34:
- Increasing weekend frequency to every 30 minutes from every 60 minutes.
- Line 35:
- Increasing evening frequency to every 20 minutes from every 30 minutes.
- Increasing weekday peak-direction service, thanks to Commuter Choice funding.
- Line 32:
These improvements are part of DASH’s roadmap to deliver 30-minute or better off-peak frequency across the entire system in the short term, with a long-term goal of 15-minute all-day service on key corridors, as envisioned in the Alexandria Transit Vision (ATV) Plan.
Bus Stop & Infrastructure Investments
In addition to service updates, DASH is making several upgrades to stops and infrastructure designed to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall passenger experience, including:
- Solar Lighting Pilot: A new solar-powered lighting system is now active at the Yoakum Parkway & Edsall Road bus stop.
- This initiative builds on the success of six rider-activated lighting units installed earlier this year, and will guide a citywide prioritization process for expanding safe, sustainable lighting at more stops.
- Bus Stop Rebalancing Project: A data-driven study is underway along the Braddock Road Metro to Northern Old Town Circulator segment.
- The analysis will evaluate stop spacing, usage, and performance to identify opportunities for improved travel times and service reliability.
- King Street Bus Operations Study – Phase Two: DASH, in partnership with the City of Alexandria, is evaluating options to improve safety and operational efficiency on King Street, one of the city’s busiest transit corridors. Strategies under review include:
- Quick-build boarding platforms to enhance accessibility and boarding speed.
- Potential on-street parking reductions to reserve curb space at bus stops, prioritizing transit flow and reduce delays.
West Alexandria Transit Center Update
Phase one of the West Alexandria Transit Center is on track to open in Fall 2025. Although passenger shelters will not be available immediately, the new transit hub will serve as a major connection point for West End residents and will lay the foundation for future transit network expansions.